The gym’s ice wall comprises 500 tons of snow.
A few key pieces of equipment are all that is needed in gyms.
This includes free weights, a medicine ball, a cable machine and a hex bar if you’re lucky. And, sure, that simple list will get the job done.
But minimal equipment in an ordinary space sure as hell won’t inspire you to have an extraordinary workout or come back for more. We expect more from gyms.
That’s why studios, hotels, and private gyms all over the globe are taking note of what guests want in a fitness facility – a next-level personal training space.
The bottom line is that everyone wants some crazy amenities, whether they’re booking a class or buying a membership.
From ice climbing gyms to Olympic-sized heated pools, and in-house nutritionists to on-demand massages, these luxurious gyms are ready to service your every fitness desire no matter where you are in the world.
Read on to have some serious gym envy.
BXR: London, England
While boxing is the core discipline studied and offered at BXR in London, the gym offers guests way more than a primer on jabs.
The 12,000-square-foot, two-floor gym helps members hone in on different combat disciplines, strength and conditioning, and more via one-on-one or group classes.
Moreover, guests and members can take part in-clinic treatments and gain valuable nutrition advice from their on-site dietitians.
And BXR certainly doesn’t skimp on luxury.
The boxing ring itself is surrounded by custom-made braided leather ropes, and members can get made-to-measure Di Nardo boxing gloves for their time in the ring.
While you’re there you may even run into World champion boxer Anthony Joshua or the plethora of Victoria Secret models who call BXR their home gym.
Wilderness Safaris’ Toka Leya Camp: Zambia
Holidaying in Africa often entails visiting the safari to spot the Big Five.
Still, there is more than just spotting these majestic animals. You can also squeeze in gym time at the Wilderness Safari camp.
It boasts breathtaking views of the Zambezi River, which is a treat to the eyes as you paddle on the stationary bike or practice your yoga stance.
If you feel tired from all the workouts, there is also a spa area where you can leave your aching body to the trained masseuse.
Sitaras: New York, New York
Sitaras Fitness, founded by John Sitaras, is a state-of-the-art private gym that’s insanely results-driven.
It has the world’s first digital fitness tracking room, lead in partnership with Samsung.
Members are assessed on their strength, flexibility, cardiovascular health, and more.
The gym, located in Midtown Manhattan, comes with a 3,000-square-foot landscaped terrace, perfect for spring and summer outdoor workouts.
And because this club only allows a maximum of 200 members at a time, it’ll never be too busy, although you have to pass a rigorous background check to even get in the door.
You’ll likely become friendly with each one of your fellow members as those who join must commit to hitting the gym at least twice a week.
Huvafen Fushi: Maldives
At Huvafen Fushi, located on the idyllic North Malé Atol of Maldives, is a fitness space that has all the equipment you need for a good workout.
Located above crystal waters and boasting a 360-degree ocean view, the resort’s gym is the perfect location to lose yourself in sculpting that ideal body.
If you’re looking to partake in something a little more restorative, the resort also hosts private yoga classes on the overwater.
Virgin Active: Tanjong Pagar, Singapore
As a member of Virgin Active’s Tanjong Pagar location, guests receive full access and use of the club’s cutting-edge gym equipment and more than 200 group classes a week.
Inside the facility, guests can train in the hypoxic training room, which can simulate conditions of up to 9,800 feet above sea level.
For something less intense, you can head to the adjoining Sofitel Singapore City Centre hotel’s outdoor infinity pool.
As a member, you also gain unlimited access to almost all other Virgin Active clubs located around the globe including South Africa, England, Italy, Australia, Namibia, Botswana, and Thailand.
The Sporting Club at The Bellevue: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Sporting Club at the Bellevue in Philadelphia will make you want to pick up the weights.
The club has a 10,000-square-foot fitness floor, spacious studio, NBA-sized basketball court, and a junior Olympic pool.
Guests can also partake in more than 120 classes including spin, TRX, barre, and boot camp, meaning there’s something for literally everyone.
Post-workout, guests and members can also take advantage of the gym’s spa services, which include massage therapy, body treatments, facials, and waxing.
Or, you can treat yourself to a little time in the gym’s sauna, steam room, and whirlpool before heading down to the café for a healthy treat.
Embody Fitness: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Located in Dubai’s Lamborghini Headquarters, Embody Fitness is a luxury private gym that gives each guest the VIP treatment.
Aside from a nutritious café, an assortment of equipment and classes, and showers stocked with toiletries, Embody offers functional movement screenings, fascial stretch therapy, as well as sports and therapeutic massages.
Above all, the gym overlooks the glittering city of Dubai.
Ice Factor: Kinlochleven, Scotland
Ice Factor, otherwise known as The National Ice Climbing Centre, in Scotland, is every climber’s nirvana.
The gym offers climbing lessons for beginners, has a classic aerial adventure course, and is also home to the world’s largest indoor ice-climbing facility.
The gym’s ice wall comprises 500 tons of snow and ice that’s nearly 49 feet tall.
The ice wall also comes with grades, from beginner to expert, making the indoor ice-climbing experience great for everyone.
Climbers can decide to do the wall with an instructor or on their own based on their previous experience.
Following the climb, guests are also invited to grab a beer at the gym’s bar and grill.
Blanche: Paris, France
Blanche is one of Paris’ most stylish and luxe gyms and is located in a gorgeous former mansion.
It’s by the creators of the iconic Kay and Ken Club and some of its sumptuous features include a granite swimming pool, a cinema and a restaurant headed by the world-renowned chef Jean Imbert.
Blanche is described as a ‘five-star sporting in a historic location’ and offers only the most advanced yoga, Pilates and boxing classes.
Members can relax afterwards in the jet-equipped infinity pool and state-of-the-art sauna and steam room.
Third Space: Soho London, England
Third Space has three gyms sprinkled throughout London, but its SoHo location is by far the coolest.
The space boasts a climbing wall, a glass-bottom training area, and a wide range of cardio machines, free weights, and functional training equipment.
Third Space Soho also has its dojo, boxing ring, four-lane swimming pool, cycle studio, medical centre, and a daily menu of organic juices, smoothies, and food available pre-or post-workout.
Moreover, there are locker room valets who are always on hand to take care of your every need, including getting your gym gear washed and returned to your permanent locker whenever you need it.
Health and wellness have become synonymous with everyday living.
Many of us are now paying more attention to these two qualities’ effects on our lives.
While people are generally interested in health and wellness, the Covid-19 pandemic has spotlighted these two facets of life.
Integrating an active lifestyle is now a more common occurrence.
Just take a look online and you will be able to find many different fitness classes in gyms ranging from spinning to yoga and even HIIT.